A number of things can contribute to the development of colorectal cancer (colon cancer), such as highly processed foods, eating a Western diet low in fiber, or the bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum. These are known to contribute to or result in the gut microbiome being out of whack (gut dysbiosis).
Another factor is perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), which are chemicals we all are exposed to in everyday life. A recent study illustrated how long-term exposure to PFOS can also contribute to the development of colorectal cancer because of the effect it has on intestinal cells in the intestines.
PFAS and PFOS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are called forever chemicals due to their buildup (bioaccumulation) and persistence in people and the environment. We get exposure to these chemicals various ways - through ingestion (food and water), inhalation (dust), and from absorption through the skin (e.g., personal care products).
They are widely used chemicals, such as in non-stick coatings (e.g., pots and pans) and stain and water repellent products. We get exposure to these chemicals various ways - through ingestion (food and water), inhalation (dust), and from absorption through the skin (e.g., personal care products).
They are in all of us at varying levels, and they have harmful health effects. Effects include cancer, reproductive harm (e.g., poorer semen quality), birth defects, lowered sex and growth hormones in children, thyroid disease, immune effects, and liver and kidney damage. They are endocrine disruptors.
The chemical industry would have you think that the newer PFAS chemicals that replace the older ones are "safer", but guess what? They're not. They're very similar chemically, so it shouldn't be surprising that they don't appear to be safer.
Bottom line: You can't totally avoid PFAS chemicals, but you can lower your exposure to them. If possible, avoid products that are water and stain proof or leak-proof, especially if children will be using the product. Don't use nonstick cookware, stain resistant carpeting and fabrics, clothing treated to be water-proof, and synthetic turf. PFAS and PFOS don't have to be mentioned on labels, so it's buyer beware.
From Medical Xpress: Study links 'forever chemical' PFOS with colorectal cancer
A recent University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center study sheds light on how the environmental pollutant perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) may affect our intestines and possibly increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Published in Chemosphere, the research study led by Josiane Tessmann, Ph.D., a postdoctoral scholar in the laboratory of Yekaterina Zaytseva, Ph.D., is the first to show that long-term PFOS exposure can lead to changes in intestinal cells that are linked to the development of colorectal cancer.
PFOS belongs to a group of chemicals called PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which have been widely used in industrial applications and consumer products.
Often referred to as "forever chemicals," PFAS don't break down easily and can stay in the environment and the human body for a long time. Exposure is linked to negative health outcomes including metabolic disorders, reduced immune responses and increased risk of cancer. While previous research has linked PFOS to several types of cancer, including breast, liver, and kidney cancer, this study is the first to demonstrate a potential connection between PFOS exposure and colorectal cancer.
Zaytseva added that these findings are especially important for Kentucky: PFAS chemicals are found in 90% of surface waters tested in the state, with PFOS one of the most common.
The study in mice found that PFOS exposure caused lowered levels of a ketogenic enzyme in the intestines called HMGCS2, which plays an important preventive role in several cancers, including colorectal cancer. At the same time, exposure increased levels of proteins that are linked to cancer growth.
Zaytseva's team also found similar changes in samples of human intestinal cells when they were exposed to PFOS.
The study results suggest that certain dietary changes might help protect intestines from the harmful effects of PFOS exposure. Future studies will focus on testing dietary interventions including the supplement beta-hydroxybutyrate, which is naturally produced in the body when HMGCS2 is present, to see if they can prevent PFOS-induced changes in normal intestinal tissues.